‘Let the singer be at peace’: Assam CM Himanta attacks Congress over Zubeen Garg mention in election manifesto | India News
New Delhi: Chief Minister of Assam Himanta Biswa Sharma On Tuesday, the Congress accused the Congress of “disgusting politics” involving the singer issue Zubin GargIn its election manifesto, the party called the late singer’s name for the vote, saying it had “committed an unforgivable crime”.Speaking on the sidelines of BJP’s manifesto release event here, Sarma said Zubin Garg was deeply loved by the people of Assam and it was “unfortunate and sad” to use his name in election campaign.“Congress has committed an unpardonable crime by including Zubin’s name and his death in its election manifesto. If Congress wants to pay real tribute to Zubin, they can hire a lawyer… they can bring in Abhishek Manu Singhvi, who can argue the case free of cost in the speedy trial court,” he said.The comments came after the Congress, in its manifesto released by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, promised justice for the singer within 100 days of coming to power.Sarma said the issue was already being heard in the court and claimed that the Congress was unaware that a fast-track court had been constituted and the daily hearing had already started.He further said, “Nobody has done such heinous politics using Zubin’s name to seek votes… People will punish party after party.”The chief minister said the government cannot decide the outcome of the case and can only facilitate the legal process by setting up courts and appointing prosecution lawyers.He said, “I want a trial within three months, preferably within a month. I believe the way the trial is going, it will not take even 100 days, and I hope we will have good news within a month.”An exclusive fast-track sessions court was appointed by the Gauhati High Court on March 16 and the state government later provided logistical support for its functioning.Zubin Garg, 52, died while swimming in the sea in Singapore on September 19 last year, where he had gone to attend the fourth North East India Festival (NEIF).After his death, the Assam government formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) under the CID wing of the Assam Police to investigate the case. The SIT later filed a charge sheet in a local court in Guwahati, naming seven accused, all of whom have been arrested and are currently in judicial custody.Sarma also attacked the Congress leadership, alleging that Kharge had insulted both Bhupen Hazarika and Zubin Garg, while also referring to alleged comments made by Kharge’s son.“Kharg’s son insulted the youth of Assam, saying that there are no talented people in the state to work in the semiconductor industry… Will people believe that they can give justice to Zubin Garg? Dr. Sarma.The Chief Minister also alleged that in a video circulating on social media, people from a consultancy firm hired by the Congress discussed how the issue of Zubin Garg’s death should be raised at various levels to secure votes.“If I become the chief minister again, I will ensure that all the members of this firm are arrested for their involvement in this kind of dirty politics and conspiracies. I will not spare those who will do politics in the name of Zubin.Sarma said he did not want to politicize the singer’s name and would visit his memorial again only after taking oath as chief minister.“Zubin himself said ‘rajniti nokoriba, bandhu’ (don’t indulge in politics friend), but the Congress is doing just that… May the singer rest in peace,” he said.He also questioned why Congress leaders went to the singer’s memorial with cameras.
